Limoncello Highball

Tart, sweet, and bubbly Limoncello Highballs are the ideal way to enjoy Limoncello all day long. This simple drink combines southern Italian liqueur Limoncello — which can be easily made at home or purchased — with a floral Lillet and club soda.

Limoncello is made from lemon peels that have been macerated with alcohol and sugar. The lemon peels have a more subtle lemon flavor compared to the tart, acidic punch of lemon juice, which gives Limoncello its signature gentle floral aroma.

At GiGi's Italian Kitchen in Atlanta, Georgia, Jacob Armando blends Limoncello with a floral liqueur to double down on the lemon blossom and bittersweet notes. Armando likes Accompani's Blue Dorris liqueur, an elegant and floral cocktail ingredient that is made from a blend of rose, pink peppercorns, savory orris root. In lieu of Blue Dorris, you can also use Strega liqueur or Lillet Rosé. –– Lucy Simon

Why the Limoncello Highball works

The Limoncello Highball follows the standard 2:1 highball ratio: two parts club soda, one part spirit. In this case, the spirit is split between the Limoncello and the floral liqueur (one ounce each) which adds depth and complexity.

Highballs generally are lower in alcohol compared to say, a Martini, since the spirit is cut with a non-alcohol mixer like club soda. This drink is even less boozy since both the Limoncello and the liqueur have around 30% ABV (alcohol by volume). This drink is refreshing, tart, slightly sweet, and has a fabulous floral and lemon aroma.